Recent sales at Dan Murphy's show an increase in the popularity of lower alcohol and alcohol-free beverages as consumers seek a healthier lifestyle.

The liquor retailer said it has noticed growth in sales of non-alcoholic and mid-strength beer, lighter alcohol wine, cider with less than three per cent alcohol and premium soft drinks such as mineral water, artisanal bitters and cordials.

"It may not surprise people to see an uplift in the non-alcohol and mid-strength beer category, but the lighter alcohol trend can be seen across most drinks categories," said Peter Nixon, Head of Dan Murphy's Wine Panel. "During the summer months it's easy to see why people are embracing light or non-alcohol drinks and there is no doubt the broader lifestyle trend towards a balanced lifestyle is having an effect."

Nixon said that as this trend has continued, the availability and number of good quality, low-alcohol products has also risen.

"There are an increasingly impressive number of lighter and no alcohol choices coming onto the market," he added. "More than ever we're finding customers want these options to enjoy socially."

Behind the bar, you can swap out a few ingredients in a cocktail for a lighter alternative, while in retail try stocking products such as Maggie Beer's Sparkling Ruby Cabernet with 0% ABV or Brancott Estate's Flight Pinot Gris at just 9% ABV (5.3 standard drinks).

Below are a few low-alcoholic cocktail recipes:

Frosé (0.88 standard drinks) 

90ml Jacob’s Creek Le Petit Rose

15ml Sugar or agave syrup

1 Strawberry

3 Cups of ice

Most frosé recipes contain vodka, so for a lighter version take out the added alcohol and replace with some strawberries. Jacob’s Creek Le Petit Rose has 12.5% ABV.

Americano (0.94 standard drinks)

30ml Campari

30ml Sweet vermouth

Club soda

Lemon twist or orange slice for garnish

A lighter alternative to the crowd favourite, Negroni, with its intense pronounced flavours. Swap the gin for a club soda or sparkling water - refreshing, lower in alcohol and you still get that bittersweet taste.

Wednesday in the Park (0.52 standard drinks)

30ml Lillet Blanc 

Tonic water 

Dash of orange bitters

Orange slice

Sprig of thyme

Lillet Blanc is one of the world's favourite aperitif wines, made from a blend of white wines from Bordeaux - mainly semillon and sauvignon blanc - as well as citrus liqueurs from orange peel and bitter green apple. This recipe makes a light and easy drinking Lillet-based spritz.